!
WARNING
Are you aware of the recent changes in electrical safety guidelines from OSHA?
New OSHA guidelines require greater awareness and action by owners and employers to
protect workers.
Are you operating your electrical equipment without the OSHA required Arc Flash Warning
and Shock Hazard Warning labels?
Do you want to protect your employees, be in compliance with OSHA, and avoid severe
penalties?
If so, read on…
What Is Arc Flash And Why Should I Be Concerned?
An Arc Flash can be described as an electrical explosion caused by a short circuit or fault
condition when either a phase to ground or phase to phase conductor is connected and
current flows through the air. Arc Flashes cause electrical equipment to explode, resulting
in an arc-plasma fireball. Temperatures may exceed 35,000° F (the surface of the sun is
9,000° F). The arc flash/blast produces fire, intense light, pressure waves, and flying shrapnel.
An Arc Flash may occur without warning like a bolt of lightning and just as fast. The tremendous energy released in that short period of time is extremely violent and destructive. Electrical equipment can be severely damaged causing fire and terrible injuries or even death to
anyone nearby.
What Can Cause An Arc Flash?
Arc Flashes are preventable, but there are a number of primary reasons they occur. Many
Arc Flash events occur when workers handle live electrical equipment during maintenance,
testing, or repair and accidentally cause a short circuit condition or electrical fault. Causes
may include:
● Improper use of tools
● Faulty installation
● Material failure
● Improper work techniques
● Dropping tools
● Lack of electrical safety training
● Faulty (or improperly maintained) electrical equipment
● Dust
● Condensation
● Corrosion
What Sort Of Injuries May Occur From An Arc Flash?
The severity or degree of injury is related to three main elements in an Arc Flash event: the
amount of energy released, the person’s proximity or distance from the explosion, and
clothing or protective equipment worn by the worker. Common injuries from an Arc Flash
explosion are burns, concussions, collapsed lungs, hearing loss, shrapnel injuries, and
broken bones. Death may be instantaneous or as a result of complication from injuries
sustained in the blast.
It is estimated that five to
ten Arc Flash and blast
What Is My Risk Exposure To An Arc Flash Incident?
explosions
occur
in
Arc Flash exposure depends on the following:
electrical equipment every
● Frequency of work performed while exposed to live
day in the United States
electrical equipment.
with 2,000 people each
● Complexity of the task, available space, safety margins,
year being admitted to burn
physical effort to perform task, reaching into energized
centers for severe burns.
equipment, etc.
You do not want to be one
● Training, skill set, mental and physical ability, assistance
of them. To make sure you
from helper.
are in compliance, contact
● Tools and test equipment used.
us at (888) 893-5437.
● Condition of the electrical equipment.
● Available short circuit current.
● Condition and rating of the overcurrent protective devices within the equipment.
What Standards And Guidelines Govern Arc Flash Analysis?
OSHA mandates that employers identify electrical hazards, warn workers about them, and provide proper protective
equipment and training related to working around the hazards. OSHA provides employers with "what" to do, but does not
define "how" to do it. The role of NFPA 70E®, IEEE, and NEC is to provide guidance on "how" to properly implement the
OSHA regulations. Each electrical panel must be marked with an ANSI z535 approved Arc Flash Warning Label.
What Is NFPA And NFPA 70E®?
● NFPA is a non-profit organization and is the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative
source on public safety.
● NFPA 70E® is a comprehensive standard that establishes best electrical safety practices.
● Given that the NEC (National Electrical Code) and OSHA have both started referring to it, citations are now being
written based on NFPA 70E®.
What Is The Financial Impact Of An Arc Flash Accident?
The average cost of medical treatment for survivors of Arc Flash incidents is $1.5 million. The total costs have
been estimated to be $12 - $15 million, which includes the following:
● Medical expenses
● Lost productivity of worker
● Equipment/Facility down time
● Litigation
● Equipment replacement
● Insurance complications
● Fines and Fees
OSHA has penalized some facilities over $400K alone for not being compliant with electrical safety regulations.
However, the bigger cost is the third party lawsuits against employers that do not properly identify electrical hazards, train
employees, or provide proper PPE. Recently, building and business owners have personally been found negligent in some
electrical accidents.
What Is An Arc Flash Hazard Study Or Analysis?
An Arc Flash Study or Analysis is a series of calculations performed by a Professional Engineer to determine the incident
energy found at each location that determines the various Arc Flash boundaries and PPE (personal protective equipment)
that must be used in approaching each boundary. An Arc Flash Study is performed by performing a careful assessment
and inventory of the electrical equipment carrying voltage levels high enough to create a potential hazard. The data
collected is entered in a computer program that models the electrical system and calculates a number of parameters and
characteristics of the system, and then produces the results that are used to label the equipment.
Can An Arc Flash Be Prevented?
There is no way to completely prevent an Arc Flash explosion in electrical distribution systems. The best approach is to
follow recommended best practices to mitigate or reduce the risk of an Arc Flash and injury from such an event. Our expert
professional engineers can analyze each unique situation and prepare a list of recommended solutions.
DeltaSE is a professional electrical engineering firm practicing in the Southwestern United States since 1997. Our
experience designing electrical power distribution systems for industrial clients and the water utility industry has taught us
what we need to know to help keep your workers safe. We can also help you integrate your Arc Flash Study with an energy
management and conservation program to add value to your facility.
Don’t become a statistic! Call DeltaSE at (888) 893-5437. Let us ensure you meet the OSHA requirements and provide you
with the safety information required to protect your facilities and workers.
Our certified and licensed engineers will work with you to reduce hazards associated with Arc Flash, reducing risks to your
personnel, and even helping you save money!
REDUCE YOUR RISK AND ENSURE EMPLOYEE SAFETY!
Call DeltaSE today!
Call us Today!
(602) 266-4658
(888) 893-5437
www.DeltaSEInc.com